`Runners Fall 3-2 in Season Opener

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DURHAM, N.C. – A strong start saw CSU Bakersfield's men's soccer team earn a 2-0 lead in its season opener against Elon on Friday afternoon, but the Phoenix rallied to score three second-half goals and steal a win from the Roadrunners.

"We put ourselves in a great position to win the match," said Richie Grant, Bakersfield's sixth-year Head Coach. "We probably should have got a third goal. We will need to recover quickly and learn from the moments that cost us the goals conceded. Credit to Elon for the character to respond."

The `Runners got out to a strong start, dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes of the match. CSUB struck first, netting a goal on Tom Shepherd's foot just two minutes after the junior subbed into the match. The sophomore put away a pass from Ricardo Soza in the 19th minute as the pair tallied CSUB's first goal and assist of the season.

A strong defensive showing in the first half helped the `Runners quiet the Phoenix. Redshirt junior Detre Bell made a pair of saves in goal as Bakersfield took a 1-0 lead into halftime in Durham, N.C.

Early in the second half, the `Runners gained some insurance with a goal in the 53rd-minute. Freshman Mikey Vogel, making his collegiate debut, finished a pass from senior Niklas Korber to put CSUB ahead 2-0.

Over the span of the next 25 minutes, Elon would strike three times as CSUB found itself trailing 3-2. A goal in the 63rd minute by Lewis Green cut the deficit in half before Christian Lauenborg scored the equalizer with just under 20 minutes remaining. In the 78th-minute, Valdi Jonsson's foot put gave the Phoenix the eventual game-winning goal.

CSUB was unable to rally and Bakersfield (0-1) suffered a disappointing loss on Friday afternoon, but the `Runners have an opportunity to completely shift their momentum before they return from the East Coast. In what could prove to be the toughest challenge of the season, CSUB is scheduled to square off against No. 10 Duke on Sunday to close out the John Rennie Nike Invitational. Kickoff for that match is set for 11:30 a.m. (PT).

~GoRunners.com~

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Players Mentioned

#1 Detre Bell: GK; 6' 0"; Redshirt Junior

#10 Niklas Korber: MF; 5' 11"; Senior

#9 Tom Shepherd: F; 6' 1"; Junior

#15 Ricardo Soza: MF; 5' 6"; Junior

#19 Michael Vogel: MF/F; 5' 8"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Detre Bell
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Junior
: GK

#10 Niklas Korber
: 5' 11"; Senior
: MF

#9 Tom Shepherd
: 6' 1"; Junior
: F

#15 Ricardo Soza
: 5' 6"; Junior
: MF

#19 Michael Vogel
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: MF/F